Real Estate Paralegal

Real Estate Paralegal - Law Firm - Chicago - Hybrid - $135-160k

Growing law firm is seeking an experienced Real Estate Paralegal to join their Real Estate Practice Group. In this role, you will provide critical support to attorneys and clients across complex, multi-jurisdictional commercial real estate transactions. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced law firm environment, manages competing priorities with precision, and possesses deep experience in title and survey review, deal closing logistics, and contract administration.

Key Responsibilities

Transactional & Closing Management

• Assist attorneys with all aspects of commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, development, financings, and joint ventures.
• Prepare, organize, and manage closing checklists, transaction documents, signature packages, and post-closing binders.
• Coordinate closing mechanics with clients, title companies, opposing counsel, escrow officers, and lenders.

Due Diligence, Title & Survey

• Order, review, and analyze title commitments, exception documents, underlying deeds, and land surveys.
• Prepare detailed title and survey review summaries and draft objection letters.
• Coordinate with title underwriters to cure title defects and finalize title policy commitments.

Legal Documentation & Entity Formation

• Draft initial versions of closing documents, deeds, affidavits, escrow agreements, lease abstracts, and lender certificates.
• Prepare and file corporate formation and organizational documents (LLCs, LPs, Corporations) with state authorities, including good standing certificates and UCC financing statements.
• Conduct public record searches (UCC, litigation, bankruptcy, tax liens).

Practice Group Operations

• Maintain organized physical and electronic deal files in accordance with firm document retention policies.
• Track critical deal dates, closing schedules, and lease milestone deadlines.

Qualifications & Skill Requirements

• Education & Certification: Bachelor's degree required; Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved program preferred (or equivalent years of experience/state certification where applicable).
• Experience: Minimum of 3–5+ years of commercial real estate paralegal experience, preferably within an AmLaw 100/200, large law firm environment.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency with document management systems (e.g., iManage, NetDocuments) and closing room platforms (e.g., DocuSign, DealCloser).
• Strong working knowledge of real estate recording requirements across multiple state and national jurisdictions.